Champs AFC Leopards draw Shabana in SportPesa Shield

Champions AFC Leopards will begin their attempt to defend their domestic cup with an away fixture against former Kenyan Premier League side Shabana as the second football competition, now renamed SportPesa Shield begins on June 1.

Losing finalists Kariobangi Sharks also kick-off on the road against Nanyuki Youth, while Sony Sugar, who finished third, play Rain Forest with Vihiga United visiting Nyamira All Stars.

A total of 13 top-flight clubs will participate in this year’s edition with the winner taking home Sh2 million, runners-up Sh1million, while third and fourth-placed finishers will bag Sh750,000 and Sh500,000 respectively.

The winner of the competition will also represents the country in next year's Caf Confederation Cup.

Leopards edged out Kariobangi Sharks 2-0 in last year’s final, but bowed out of the continental showdown in the preliminary stage to Madagascan side Fosa Juniors.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa said this year’s tourney will not have a broadcaster as was the case with SuperSport when it was known as GOtv Shield before the latter’s contract elapsed last year.

He however hinted of online transmission of matches.

“This is a top priority competition at FKF and we will ensure its smooth running from the grassroots level. We appreciate SportPesa who have come in to sponsor it for the next three years effective 2018,” he said during the launch at a Nairobi hotel on Monday.

Also in attendance was FKF vice president Doris Petra, SportPesa Chief Executive Officer Ronald Karauri, club officials and players.

He added: “Unlike before, this year we’ve no broadcaster but the good news is that our equipment are a week away from arrival so we are going to produce matches ourselves via online.”

Five KPL sides namely Mathare United, Chemelil Sugar, Thika United, Nakumatt and Zoo Kericho did not register to participate.

FULL DRAW

Fortune Sacco v Mwatate United, Nunguni Yulu v Ushuru, Berlin v Bandari, Taita Taveta All Stars v Tusker, Emmausians v Leysa, Nanyuki All Stars v KCB, Re-Union v Sofapaka, Friend Zone v Naivas, Babadogo United v Equity Bank, Tandaza v Zetech University, SS Assad v Gor Mahia, Ken Poly v Savannah Cement, Nanyuki Youth v Kariobangi Sharks, Nairobi Water v Wazito, Ligi Ndogo v Talanta, Balaji v Modern Coast Rangers, Rain Forest v Sony Sugar, Shabana v AFC Leopards, Vegpro v GFE 105, Nyamira All Stars v Vihiga United, MKU Nakuru v Kisumu All Stars, Riverplate v Nakuru All Stars, Nakuru West Combined v Kenya Police, Dero v Nzoia Sugar, TransMillan v Ulinzi Stars, ASEC Kakamega v Kakamega Homeboyz, Egerton University v Western Stima, Kabras United v Bidco United, Trans Mara Sugar v Posta Rangers, Kisumu Hot Stars v Raiply, Bungoma Super Stars v Timsales, Transfoc v Eldoret Youth